Welcome to the first trimester! 

The first trimester is the most crucial period in Your Child’s development, as it carries a higher chance of miscarriage. During this period, your baby’s brain, heart, and inner organs develop. For you, this can be tiring and extremely emotional.

Your Child’s Development
During the first trimester, Your Child’s brain, lungs, liver, spinal cord, head, and tiny limbs will form. At around week 6, the heart will start beating — at around a rate twice of yours. And soon after, you will hear it when you visit your doctor. Your Child may start moving around week 9, though you won’t be able to feel these movements until the second trimester. By the end of the first trimester, the placenta and umbilical cord will be in place.

Your Development
Your body undergoes major changes that often cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, breast tenderness, and frequent urination. You might also experience nausea or “morning sickness” or notice some pregnancy cravings for the most unusual foods. Weird as they are, these are usually nothing to worry about. The increased sense of smell and taste is probably a design of nature to protect Your Child from possible dangers and toxins. Fortunately, most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses, and the likelihood of a miscarriage is getting very low toward the end of the first trimester. 

What you can do
As your body changes, you might need to make changes to your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or eating frequent, small meals. What you’re eating will naturally impact your growing baby, so it’s important to follow a healthy and nutritious pregnancy diet. Consult your doctor about taking folic acid and prenatal vitamins. Learn about what is safe to eat and what isn’t. Alcohol and smoking are extremely harmful to the little one; stop consuming them. Also, limit your caffeine intake. For medications, consult with your doctor, as some drugs are not safe for the little one. 

Building a new life takes a lot of energy. Try to relax and get plenty of rest in these early days. You’ve got two more trimesters to go before you’ll finally meet Your Child.